Sunday, 22 February 2015

Jupiter Ascending Review

The production design throughout is simply mesmerizing and is

matched by few films.

Jupiter
Ascending is currently an easy target, from the writer and director
Wachowski duo who have not had a critical and financial hit since the
Matrix films, Jupiter Ascending is a film that has been released with
little to no hype behind it. It is also certain to be a costly movie
for those who financed it given its sizeable budget and its low box
office takings thus far. However none of that should have any weight
in whether one does or does not enjoy the film.

The
most problematic portions of Jupiter Ascending are present from the
introduction as we are introduced to the protagonists parents as they
meet and the tragic events that eventually lead to the protagonists
journey. The problem is these scenes are highly unnecessary and add
little to a film that is crowded with a plethora of ideas and could
have easily been cut with no negative effect on the film as a whole.
Their is likewise an early scene between the 'villains' which screams
of a scene that was added after the fact as the studio/film makers
became worried that some may struggle with the amount of information
presented throughout. Whilst it does make it clear what is happening,
it also removes much of the mystery and spoils the bigger reveals
turning what could and should have been a shocking reveals later in
the film into something that fills more like filler, existing solely
to catch the protagonist Jupiter Jones up with what the audience was
sadly already spoon feed at the beginning of the film.

The gravity boots add an interesting and unique flair to the

action throughout.

Jupiter
Jones largely as a result is a character that I cared very little
for, which is quite an issue given that she is the protagonist and as
such the film is largely her journey. It doesn't help that she is
largely a blank slate, defined by little else then cleaning toilets
and her desire to purchase a telescope, hinting at a connection to
her father who was also fascinated by the beauty of space. Had this
point been given further development it could have tied in nicely
with the idea of reincarnation present, it however is left as a loose
end that is 'merely' one of but a few character traits for Jupiter.

That
isn't to say that the entire cast is left with little to work with.
Quite the contrary, the supporting cast and the 'world' that is
created is far more interesting. Eddie Redmayne as Balem Abrasax is
particularly enjoyable to watch who whilst veering into hammy
territory is suitably and interestingly conflicted and unstable in a
manner that ties in nicely with his 'relationship' to Jupiter. Other
characters are far more standard but none the less are acted well and
help propel the film and the world it is set in forward in an
entertaining fashion. Which leads me to the films greatest strength.
The realization of its world building and the visuals that are so
vital in that realization.

Did I mention that the production design throughout issimply mesmerizing.

I imagine few will doubt the visual flair that the Wachowskis bring to
the films they direct, fewer yet will likely be disappointed by the
lush and detailed visuals that exists not only to impress the viewer
but to effectively further the story of the world. To say I was
impressed would be quite the understatement with the production
design being simply unmatched by any recent film. The 3d is likewise
rather strong throughout and certainly helps highlight this aspect of
the film whilst also adding notably throughout, especially to the
numerous aerial battles present. The action to put simply is
impressive and whilst it is far more standard in how it is shoot
given what one may expect given the Wachowskis track record, it is
still far more creative and exciting then all but a few films of
recent. I imagine those who have complained about the extended
finales of some recent blockbusters may take issue with the length of
some of the action present, I however never felt it extended beyond
its welcome.

Jupiter
Ascending is not without its notable flaws, it however remains a
visually impressive thrill ride throughout most of its runtime and
thus comes highly recommended in spite of a handful of elements that
disappoint.